Another Akshay Sequel in Serious Trouble?

One of Bollywood’s most anticipated comedies, Welcome to the Jungle, the third installment in the Welcome franchise, directed by Ahmen Khan, is once again making headlines after facing significant production hurdles.

Starring a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Lara Dutta, the film was scheduled for a Christmas 2024 release.

However, things haven’t gone as planned. According to industry insiders the film has hit a rough patch due to ongoing financial and logistical issues.

Reportedly, over the last six months, three shooting schedules have been cancelled, leaving the actors and their teams in a limbo.

Rescheduled for a June 2025 release, the film has now been abruptly delayed, as nearly 40% of the shoot is still incomplete.

Adding to the chaos, there are reports coming in of non-payment of dues, with some actors allegedly exiting the project.

While many from the star-studded cast continue to support the film for the love of the Welcome franchise, repeated cancellations have led to lost time and financial setbacks.

Despite the challenges, sources suggest the script is genuinely funny, filled with the kind of humor that made the original Welcome such a cult classic.

This faith in the script is reportedly what’s keeping the cast on board, with even Akshay Kumar awaiting clear updates on the revised shooting schedule.

Critics argue that after the setback of Welcome Back, it’s likely the makers don’t want to risk another flop and are taking as much time as possible to deliver something that the audience will truly enjoy.

With Welcome being one of Bollywood’s most loved comedy franchises, fans are hopeful the issues will be resolved soon so filming can resume and the jungle madness can finally return to the big screen.